Did you realize that Pennsylvania taxpayer funds are being used to collect dues, fees, and political funds for public unions? These funds are being used to oppose many of the values we hold dear. Efforts are underway in Harrisburg to put a stop to this practice. Union leaders are fighting back. We need your help to make sure that payroll protection efforts are successful. Please call and email your PA Representative and PA Senator and urge them to support payroll protection.

Sample phone message:

Payroll protection is important to me. Taxpayer resources should not be used for politics. Please support payroll protection. Thank you.

No taxpayer funds, regardless of how much, should be used for any political purpose. Collecting union political money using taxpayer-funded payroll systems is no different than using a legislative office or taxpayer-provided phone for campaign fundraising, which is illegal.

Paycheck protection laws promote free speech by preventing anyone from being forced to pay for politics. It is unfair and un-American to force taxpayers, as well as teachers and other government employees, to subsidize the political activities of a private organization.

Teachers earn their paychecks – they work hard. They should have control of their own money, not the union leaders. They should have control over where their hard-earned money goes… just like you and me.

Answers to Common Myths

Attack on workers: This reform would actually give union members a stronger voice in how their dues and campaign dollars are spent. It is pro-worker. It gives teachers and state workers the rights and ability to spend their own money as they see fit.

No public support:One survey of likely voters revealed that 79% of voters (and 75% of union members) agree that unions should not be permitted to use taxpayer-funded resources to collect government union dues. No other political group enjoys such privileges on the taxpayers’ dime. There is no greater pro-worker and pro-taxpayer proposal than ending the taxpayer-funded collection of dues and campaign contributions for government unions.

Paycheck Protection threatens collective bargaining: Paycheck protection does not end the ability of unions to collectively bargain, nor does it prevent unions from engaging in politics. If a union member wants to donate to a political cause through their union, they’re free to do so.

Paycheck Protection threatens emergency workers: Neither paycheck protection bill would affect public safety workers' ability to bargain for automatic dues deduction. There is exemption language in both the Senate Bill SB 1034 and the House Bill HB 1507.